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Widespread Corruption in Croatia’s Business Sector Revealed

A comprehensive survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Institute of Economics, Zagreb, has revealed alarming levels of corruption in Croatia’s business sector. The study, funded by the European Union, found that nearly 70% of businesses surveyed had at least one direct contact with a public official or civil servant in the past year.

Bribery and Other Forms of Corruption

The survey focused on bribery and other forms of corruption, revealing that about half of the businesses surveyed reported having received an undue advantage from a public official in exchange for a service. This could include gifts, money, or other favors.

Sector-Specific Findings

The study found that the prevalence of bribery varied across different business sectors:

• Accommodation and Food Service activities sector: 75.2%
• Transportation and Storage sector: 62.3%

Recommendations for Action

“The findings of this survey are alarming,” said [Name], a representative of UNODC. “It is clear that corruption is still a significant problem in Croatia’s business sector, and it is essential that steps be taken to address this issue.”

The report highlights the need for:

• Stronger anti-corruption measures to prevent bribery and other forms of corruption
• Increased transparency and accountability in government procurement processes
• Enhanced whistleblower protection

Support from the European Union

“Croatia has made significant progress in recent years in addressing corruption,” said [Name], a representative of the European Union. “However, there is still much work to be done to create a truly transparent and accountable business environment. We will continue to support Croatia’s efforts to combat corruption and promote economic growth.”

Full Report Available

The full report can be found on the UNODC website at www.unodc.org.